Getting ready to attend Northern Arizona University? Chances are, you’ll be moving to Flagstaff, Arizona. Whether you’re getting ready to move across the country, one state over, or making a quick drive from Phoenix, here are a few ways to prepare for life at 7,000 feet.
Get to Know Your Roommate
Having a roommate can be one of the highlights of your freshman year. In fact, they could become a lifelong friend. If you’re itching to see who your roommate is, make sure to check your housing application within the housing portal to see whether you have been matched. Once you’ve been matched with a roommate, it’s a good idea to email them and start getting to know each other. This is also a great time to discuss what you each plan to bring to college, because who needs two microwaves?
Decide What to Pack for College
One of the biggest mistakes students make is overpacking. You can find a full packing list compiled by NAU here, but as the experts in college moving, we have a few additional tips.
At NAU, all Campus Learning Communities (CLCs) come fully furnished, so you’ll want to avoid bringing any extra furniture items. Those dorm chairs that are all over Target and Walmart this time of the year might look enticing, but trust us, those just take up space.
When it comes to packing clothes, definitely pack light! You will have limited closet space, so it is important to only bring about two weeks’ worth of clothes. The weather in Flagstaff can be chilly and often unpredictable, so consider bringing items that make it easy to layer – especially flannels; every Lumberjack needs at least one! If you’re not making a trip home before the holidays, pack a warm winter coat and snow boots. Or, if you’re short on space, ask your family to ship them to you later. Collegeboxes Direct Shipping service offers discounted shipping rates through FedEx, making this a convenient option. FedEx will pickup from your family’s home and mail the items to you, with live tracking. Whatever option you choose, keep in mind that snow can start falling as early as October and the last thing you want to do is shiver or slip on ice on your way to class.
Finally, remember that you can certainly buy anything you need once you get to NAU. Though Flagstaff is a small town, there is a Walmart and Target very close to campus. Plus, shopping at local businesses can be a great way to get acquainted with your new home.
Get Familiar with Campus
If you weren’t able to attend a summer orientation or a tour, you can check out NAU’s Virtual Visit feature, which allows you to check out campus highlights. You won’t be able to smell the pine trees, but this can help you get your bearings a bit before you arrive.
Speaking of, NAU’s campus shuttle makes it super easy to get around campus and saves you money on a parking permit. NAU encourages freshmen who are living on campus to leave their cars behind the first year. You can download the NAU app to view the shuttle routes and even track them in real-time.
One of the best ways to make friends on campus (besides hitting up the Hot Spot with your roommate) is to join a club or campus organization. NAU has something for everybody. There are professional options for almost every major, as well as a wide variety of cultural and religious organizations. If serving others is your passion, you should join one of the many service-related student organizations, such as Blue Key Honor Society, the NAU Kayettes, or Cardinal Key National Honor Society. More interested in exploring a new hobby? You could check out the Fishing Club, the Karaoke club, the Country Dance Club, or get involved with intramural sports.
Plan Your NAU Move-In
As move-in day approaches, you’ll want to figure out all the moving day logistics, including how you will get yourself (and your stuff) to campus. If you have a long trip, consider using Collegeboxes Ship to School service. You’ll simply pack your items, FedEx will pick them up from your home, ship them to Flagstaff, and they’ll be delivered right to your dorm room. Not only will this save you from having to meticulously pack items in a car or suitcase, but it will also save you a lot of time on move-in day. Imagine skipping the crowded unloading zones and breezing by students lugging items down the hall (or up flights of stairs). This will especially come in handy if you live in one of the halls that doesn’t have an elevator (we’re talking to you McConnell and Cowden).
After a long day of getting settled in your new home, you and your family will most likely be ready for a good meal. This is a great opportunity to check out some local eats and venture off-campus. Here are a couple of spots unique to Flagstaff:
This local barbeque joint serves up all the classics like mac and cheese, brisket, and ribs, but they also have some unique items like BBQ Nachos and Fried Catfish. If you stop in, you’ll also get to check out the Old Town shops, as Bigfoot Bar-B-Q is actually situated within the basement of the shops.
For a slice of warm, cheesy goodness, look no further than NiMarco’s pizza. With two locations right next to campus, this is a super convenient option. NiMarco’s offers all the classic pizza flavors and many fun and inventive ones as well, such as the spicy S.O.B (South of the Border) and the Popeye which is smothered in garlic butter, spinach, bacon, and mozzarella. They also offer gluten-free pizzas, so there is sure to be something for everybody.
Spice up your day (literally) with scratch-made Mexican delights at Salsa Brava. Not only is this restaurant located right on the famous Route 66, but it was also featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”. In addition to all the classics, they’re famous for their award-winning fresh salsa bar and cilantro cream sauce, which comes on several Salsa Brava entrees. If you’re ready to ace your NAU move-in, get started by signing up for Collegeboxes Ship to School service. Spend less time on your move and more time exploring your new home when you leave the heavy lifting to the professionals.